HMX Game1989 vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX 1989 and Durock Dolphin each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. The HMX 1989 is celebrated for its deep, thocky sound profile, which many typists find satisfying, especially those who enjoy a more tactile feedback in their keystrokes. This switch is perfect for enthusiasts who relish the auditory feedback and want to immerse themselves in a classic typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin excels in quieter settings, making it an ideal choice for office use or shared workspaces, thanks to its silent operation. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, it strikes a fine balance between resistance and comfort, appealing to those who prefer a switch that offers a bit of weight without compromising on smoothness. Each switch has its strengths, with the HMX 1989 leaning towards a more enjoyable sound experience and the Dolphin focusing on a muted yet pleasurable typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T5
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the HMX 1989 and the Durock Dolphin utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which provides a distinctive advantage in terms of sound quality. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clearer and more resonant. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal of switches when RGB lighting is employed, allowing for vibrant light diffusion. As a result, users of both the HMX 1989 and Durock Dolphin will experience similar audio characteristics from the top housings, regardless of the specific switch differences, as they both leverage the sound-enhancing properties of polycarbonate.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which contributes to a significantly different auditory experience. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material is responsible for creating a muted and rounded tonal quality, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while typing. Consequently, while both the HMX 1989 and Durock Dolphin utilize the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, the sound experience upon pressing the key will vary based on the balance of sound absorption from the nylon and the resonance from the polycarbonate.
The interaction between the distinct housing materials offers a unique experience in terms of typing dynamics. Since the nylon bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feedback during key presses, users will discern a weightier sound profile when engaging keys on either switch. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing will shape the release sound, contributing to the overall auditory feedback experienced. In summary, even though the HMX 1989 and Durock Dolphin share similar materials for their top and bottom housings, the combination of these elements ensures that users can anticipate both cohesion and contrast in the sound profile, allowing for a nuanced typing experience that caters to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The HMX 1989 features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as medium-light, which can make it a preferable choice for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions due to its lighter push feel. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is set at 62 grams, which is categorized as medium. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who favor a firmer resistance when pressing down on the keys. Therefore, while the HMX 1989 is the lighter switch in terms of actuation and offers a lower bottom out force, the Durock Dolphin presents a stronger feel at bottom out, suggesting that each switch caters to different preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the HMX 1989 stands out with a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Dolphin offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in distance may affect the overall typing experience: the 1989 provides a deeper key feel, which can be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback, whereas the Dolphin's shorter travel may appeal to gamers seeking rapid response times and quicker actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Dolphin would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a hearty depth in key travel would gravitate towards the 1989.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the HMX 1989 switch produces a deeper and more resonant thock compared to many others, creating a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke. This thocky quality represents a rich, full-bodied sound profile that many enthusiasts find pleasing. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch is much more subdued, characterized by a muted, low-pitched sound. This softer tone minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is key, such as offices. While both switches may have their unique auditory signatures, the Dolphin definitely leans towards discretion.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 is known for its pronounced tactile feedback, making each key press feel substantial and precise. However, specifics about its tactile characteristics are not provided, leaving some details unknown. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch boasts a polished finish that translates to a smoother typing experience. This refinement, which may result from well-selected materials and factory lubing, reduces friction and enhances key travel, offering a pleasant touch for those who enjoy a well-rounded typing experience. While the Dolphin provides a medium-heavy actuation force that gives the feeling of resistance, the exact tactile nature of the 1989 switch remains unspecified.
In conclusion, choosing between the HMX 1989 and the Durock Dolphin switches ultimately boils down to personal preference in sound and feel. The 1989 offers a more pronounced auditory experience with its thocky nature, making it suitable for those who appreciate audible feedback, while the Dolphin provides a quieter experience with its muted sound profile and polished touch. If you seek tactile satisfaction blended with a quieter work environment, the Dolphin is an excellent choice; however, for a more engaging auditory experience, the 1989 may be more appealing. Each switch offers distinct qualities, ensuring that both can cater to different user preferences effectively.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a medium-light actuation force and are seeking a switch that delivers a deep, thocky sound profile, the HMX 1989 is an excellent option, especially for those who enjoy a more responsive feel while gaming or typing. Its 53-gram bottom-out force makes it suitable for rapid keystrokes without much effort, making it a delightful choice for prolonged use. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a quiet office environment or simply want a switch that minimizes noise, the Durock Dolphin is the way to go. With a firmer 62-gram bottom-out force, these switches provide a satisfying resistance along with a muted, low-pitched sound that won't disturb your colleagues. Their polished feel ensures smooth key travel, making them a strong contender for those who prioritize a refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific use case: go for the HMX 1989 if you're after light and thocky responsiveness, and opt for the Durock Dolphin if you require a quieter and more substantial typing experience.
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